Angina Signs

 Angina is a type of heart disease that occurs when a person's heart muscle does not get enough blood. Pain and discomfort are the primary angina signs. These symptoms:
 
  • Are often described as pressure, squeezing, burning, or tightness in the chest
  • Usually start in the chest behind the breastbone
  • May also occur in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back
  • May feel like indigestion or heartburn.
     
Some people say that angina pain is hard to describe or that they can't tell exactly where the pain is coming from.
 
Angina is most commonly felt after physical exertion. Angina triggers may also include:
 
  • Stress
  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Alcohol
  • Heavy meals
  • Cigarette smoking.
     
A person can also experience more vague angina signs. These can include such things as:
 
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Lightheadedness
  • Weakness.
     
(Click Angina Symptoms to read the full eMedTV article that discusses in detail the three types of angina and their corresponding symptoms.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD